Jannie

In my opinion, get the largest mat that your cutting area will allow, for all the same reasons everyone else has given.

butterflywing

and/or the largest you can afford. if you plan to work while you travel, you might also want one small one to take along, but that can come later.

sorry, horsestitcher already said some of that.

joy

I have got all of the three mpeters mentioned... but seeing you asked... I wish I had got the largest size mat... the one I have is OK and I wouldn't go any smaller than that but go for the biggest and you will never regret it...

mjsylvstr

I have the 24"x36" and the 18"x24" and use them both.....

Usually leave the smaller of the two out on the table all the time, ready at any moment when the urge strikes.

I also found a 6"x18" mat at a "trash & treasure" stand at a quilt show for $1.00, and I love it......so convenient to carry along to a class.

But as the other ladies mentioned, when cutting larger pieces of fabric, the larger the mat, the better.

MJ

QBeth

I agree with everyone about getting the biggest mat you can afford and accommodate in your sewing space. In addition to the mat I use for cutting, I use a 24" x 36" mat under my sewing machine so I can "fix" things without having to get up.

That said, there is a mathematical approach to picking mats and rulers. NO, DON'T RUN AWAY SCREAMING!!! Just joking.

Most quilt fabric is 42" to 44" wide; that makes it, off the bolt, folded over, 21" to 22" wide. If you want to cut a strip or, just square off the end, it's nice to have a mat that is at least, top to bottom, 22 inches. As for side-to-side, the board's width can affect how stable it is when cutting, stable as in not slipping on the table.

So, as many have already suggested, I think a large 24" x 36" mat is great for home and, if you can afford it, a 12" rotating mat for when you're squaring blocks. But, a 18" x 24" mat is great for taking to class (it also fits most pre-made quilting supply organizer bags). As for rulers, again because of fabric width, a 6" x 24" is invaluable!!! The next size down, 5" x 12"(?), is also very handy when piecing. Finally, a 12.5" square ruler is great for **squaring** blocks.

Hope this helps. At a recent class, I sat next to a newbie who was struggling with a 6" x 18" mat and 12" ruler. It was too painful watching her. Told her to use my mat & ruler -- she was a much happier camper after that!

Joe

Anybody have any experience with fiskars mats? Walmart has a 24" x 36" for $27

sheelah60

i have a 42/60 and it's still not big enough. but i love it just the same.

ConnieF

24 x 36 you will alway's need a bigger one at some point...
You may want a smaller one sometime later to trim points or if you do PaperPiecing...
Welcome to the quilting world
ConnieF

Joe

Thanks I'm eager to get started but still gathering materials got a cutter coming 3 rulers think im gonna get the 24X36 fiskars from walmart. getting closer can't wait to start.

sheelah60

hi there. i have all sizes, for everything i need but i still like my big mat. i sew off to the right side of it and it fits my table like a glove, but i take a smaller one to class. do what you feel best for you. you'll like it better, what ever makes you happy. have a good time........